Do the Dew!

This past weekend my mother, aunt, and I went back down to their hometown of Mobile, Alabama for a family birthday party.  I grew up going to Mobile to visit my grandparents who lived there and of course going to Mardi Gras every year where it was born.  No, Mardi Gras did not start in New Orleans where everyone associates the bead throwing, and yes, I like to tell that to as many people as possible.  See, you learn something new everyday! Another hidden secret about this old, southern city that I must share with you is the establishment called The Dew Drop Inn.

From this picture I'm sure you're thinking, "Hark, Oh foodie one! What is this B.C. (before Christ) Inn you speak of?!"  Well, not only is this not an ancient motel with dancing men in tights (tight tights!), but it is home of the most famous hot dog in Mobile, Alabama!  The restaurant was opened in 1924 by a man named George Widney and the dogs have been hot ever since.  What is even more unique about this place is that all their wieners are a bright red color.  I'm not really sure of the reasoning behind this wiener glow, but it just makes the whole experience even more special!  I mean how many times does one get to eat a red wiener?!

What is great about this kind of old establishment is that you can tell nothing has really changed over the years.  Even the homemade chili recipe that they have made in-house since the day they opened in 1924 is still the same.  I even asked our server about how it was made and she quickly told me it was a house secret and no one would ever know. Not even FrugalfoodieJG!! The place is small where you can order at the counter to-go or you can seat yourself competing for one of the coveted booths.  Also the menu has only slightly expanded to serve hamburgers and HUGE onion rings, but I don't know who orders a burger when the place is famous for their hot dogs.  To each their own I guess....but I will still judge you.

The original Dew Drop Inn hot dog, which is of course what we ordered, consists of homemade chili, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle slice.  Like I have said in my previous post, I am not a fan of sauerkraut usually, but after my last 2 experiences with it, I am beginning to think otherwise.  This whole combination of the red weeny, chili, and kraut was amazing!  The reason I mentioned before I asked about the chili recipe is because it was not like your typical watery, soupy kind that makes the bun all mushy that you find on most chili dogs.  The meat was finely ground and while it wasn't runny, it was still flavorful and not too dry.  Just perfect for this hot dog.  When I was younger and was a much more picky eater, I never got this combo and just stuck to the ketchup for the dressing, but I have to say I was missin out!  Also, I am a sucker for some french fries.  My favorite are ones that are slightly crunchy on the outside but mushy on the inside, like crinkle cut or steak fries and low and behold does this mighty little Inn bring me some big freaking steak fries! They were enormous and I couldn't lather them in ketchup and take them down quick enough!

The Dew Drop Inn's hot dogs are so well renown it was the main food act at the birthday party Saturday night!  As the birthday honoree was a born and bred Mobilian, it was only fitting to have the dogs brought in special.   As we knew these would be a hot commodity at the party, we took it upon ourselves to visit the restaurant in person before the event to insure we got ourselves an original dog and of course so I could blog about it!

Atlanta Street Food

I recently went to the Midsummer Music Festival at Candler Park where they lined up the food trucks of Atlanta to feed the drunk and hungry.  It was like Christmas morning for me!  I freaking love food trucks!  The food is quick, cheap, and delicious.  What more can you ask for?!

As you probably have noticed, food trucks have become a new fad born out of California and making its way across the country to Atlanta.  Some people may not like the idea of eating food that was made inside a truck.  They might think it can't be as clean as a kitchen or that there's no way the food can be tasty and exciting.  Well I can tell you this. Some of the best BBQ I have had has come from a little shack at the Greenville exit off of I-65.  Every time my family went to visit my grandparents in Mobile, Alabama, we would stop at this gas station which had a BBQ stand attached to it.  At first you think it was abandoned, but then you see a line of people waiting to order at the tiny window where the little old country woman takes your order.  I would get a huge pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw and baked beans, and we would eat in the car with our dogs going crazy for our food.  Good times, good times.  OK, back to my point...after eating at this place for years as a child, I have always had the opinion that little rundown places can be some of the best food.  They may look dirty as hell, but as long as the food pleases my taste buds and I don't find a cockroach on my plate, I honestly don't care.  While food trucks aren't necessarily shacks on the side of the road, they are little engines that could.  They are a chance to get something different and affordable while gathering with other food lovers.

Take the Pup Truck for example.  They specialize in making fancy dogs and different kinds of fixins.  Now I may have been a couple of beers in at this time, so this was somewhat of an impulse buy, but I have to say the Dalmatian Dog was a little delight in my mouth.  I usually just douse my dogs in ketchup, but with the black beans, onions, and sour cream, nothing else was needed.

One thing I love about Atlanta is the metropolitan feel the Midtown area exudes.  My office is also located downtown; however, I've noticed there are not many places around to eat cheap and quick, which is why I believe street food would do wonders in this ever growing city.  In order to advocate for all street food alike in Atl, a group was formed called the Atlanta Street Food Coalition.  Their main goal is to see to it that we get to enjoy fast and affordable food other metropolitan cities have had for years, like New York and Philly.  Atlanta ordinances have banned street food for now due to health concerns, but advocates are still trying to convince otherwise.  Even the food trucks are limited to where they can park.  In my opinion food trucks and street food are just another way to experience food and be with friends.  I mean, my job is to sit at a computer for 9 hours every day looking at excel spreadsheets, so if I can take 30 minutes out of my day to walk down the street and get me a mighty fine hot dog, I say, "Amen, sister friend!"